Breast cancer impacts your physical and emotional well-being. Nearly one in eight women in the United States are impacted by breast cancer at some point in their life. It is the second most common cancer for women in the United States, second only to skin cancer. While the diagnosis impacts your physical health, it can also impact your professional, family, and personal life. This is why early detection is crucial as it can help save your life. But can mammograms miss cancer?

Can Mammograms Miss Cancer?

The most common and effective way to screen for breast cancer is to get regular mammograms. But, can mammograms miss cancer? Below you will find more information on the effectiveness of mammograms and how you can ensure your breast health is in good shape.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Mammograms

Mammograms are considered to be the gold standard when it comes to screening for breast cancer. Due to major breast cancer awareness campaigns and outreach, more and more women are getting screened. In fact, the amount of women ages 40 and over who have had a mammogram has increased more than 30% since the late 1980s. Mammograms are quick, easy, and can save your life. Regular mammograms can reduce your risk of death from breast cancer by more than 25%. However, mammograms are not always perfect in terms of their results.

Mammograms miss roughly 15% of all breast cancer cases. Researchers found that this is more frequent in women who have dense breast tissue. Dense breasts are common as nearly 40% of women over the age of 40 have dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue shows up as white, the same color as cancerous masses. This makes detecting breast cancer fairly difficult. One expert stated that finding breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue can be like trying to find a polar bear in a snowstorm. Therefore, women with dense breast tissue are considered to be at a higher risk for breast cancer. However, this alone does not immediately indicate that you should get additional testing—more on this later.

Mammograms and Your Breast Health

Mammograms are an X-ray of your breast. It is a screening tool used specifically to detect breast cancer. This in combination with your regular women’s health exams and monthly breast self-breast examinations is crucial in ensuring an early diagnosis. It is recommended that you get your first mammogram at age 40 if you are at an average risk for breast cancer. If you are at a higher risk for breast cancer, you will need to get screened earlier. It’s important to talk with your women’s health provider to determine at what age you should be screened. They can help guide you based on your medical history, family history, and any other relevant health factors.

As discussed above, women with dense breast tissue are at a higher risk for breast cancer. However, that alone doesn’t always indicate a need for early screening unless an additional risk is present. One of the most notable additional risk factors is a close family member who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, if you are concerned and want earlier or additional screening you should talk with your medical provider. Be sure and advocate for your own health and consider getting a second opinion if you are worried. Additional screening can include an ultrasound or an MRI.

Breast Imaging Services

If you need breast imaging services, contact BreastGyn Imagers. They offer in-office screening mammography and provide timely and accurate results. They are focused on providing you with smooth and efficient screenings. Contact Breast Gyn Imagers imaging services today and schedule an appointment!